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Planetary sustainability science and technology: Integrating Astro-soil, Astro-environmental engineering and
Antonis A Zorpas1, Vassilis J Inglezakis2, Iliana Papamichael1
1Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Sustainability, Sustainable Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, www.ouc.ac.cy, Giannou Kranidioti 89, Latsia, Nicosia 2231, Cyprus.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 28, 2025
Summary
This study introduces Planetary Sustainability Science and Technology to ensure long-term space settlements through waste recycling and resource recovery. It proposes new engineering curricula and innovative technologies for sustainable extraterrestrial human expansion.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Sustainability Science and Technology
- Interdisciplinary environmental science
- Engineering and sustainability principles
Background:
- Ensuring long-term viability of human settlements in extraterrestrial environments.
- Managing increasing space debris and waste is critical for sustainable space activities.
- Need for specialized education to prepare engineers for space exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce a novel framework for planetary sustainability integrating Astro-Environmental Engineering, Astro-Soil Science, and Astro-Habitat Engineering.
- Propose innovative approaches for waste recycling, resource recovery, and habitat sustainability in space.
- Address ethical, technological, and legal considerations for sustainable human expansion into space.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review using PRISMA framework, analyzing data from Scopus, ESA, and NASA.
- Bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software to identify key themes and trends in space debris and trash research.
- Development of a new curriculum framework based on Bloom's taxonomy for space engineering education.
Main Results:
- Identified hyperconnectivity between engineering education, space education, planetary science, space research, and circular economy principles.
- Highlighted the importance of waste recycling, resource recovery, and in situ resource utilization for space habitats.
- Proposed innovative technologies for water and fuel production and advanced recycling systems.
Conclusions:
- Planetary Sustainability Science and Technology offers a cohesive method for sustainable extraterrestrial settlements.
- New educational curricula are essential to equip future engineers with the necessary skills for space exploration.
- Ethical, technological, and legal frameworks are crucial for responsible human expansion into space.
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